The “3-4 Minute” Response Rule
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(b), businesses must ensure that medical aid is available in ‘near proximity’ to the workplace. OSHA interprets this to mean that if a hospital or clinic is not available within a 3-4 minute response time (for serious hazards), the employer must have a person on-site who is adequately trained to render first aid. This makes CPR/AED certification a compliance necessity for many facilities in the Fox Valley that are not immediately next to emergency services.
Industries with Mandatory CPR Requirements. “While recommended for all, OSHA standards explicitly require CPR/AED training for specific high-hazard operations. Fox Valley Safety’s curriculum satisfies the training mandates for:
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Electric Power Generation & Transmission (1910.269): For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two employees must be trained in first aid/CPR. For fixed work locations (like substations), enough trained personnel must be available to reach an injured employee within four minutes.
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Permit-Required Confined Spaces (1910.146): Employers must ensure that rescue service personnel (even in-house teams) are trained in basic first aid and CPR. At least one member of the rescue service holding a current certification must be available.
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Logging Operations (1910.266): All logging employees must receive first aid and CPR training, ensuring they can manage trauma in remote locations.
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Commercial Diving (1910.410): All dive team members must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid (American Red Cross standard or equivalent).
High-Risk Environments (Construction & Manufacturing) “Even outside of specific vertical standards, industries like Construction, Manufacturing, and Warehousing face higher risks of trauma, electrical shock, and cardiac events. Because these large facilities or job sites often face ambulance delays exceeding the critical 4-minute window, having on-site responders trained in CPR and AED usage is essential for maintaining general workplace safety compliance.